Sports Advocacy Group

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Latest Videos

    • CEO of Tennis Australia

    • Steve Woods CEO of Tennis Australia and John Fitzgerald, Board Member of Tennis Australia sit down with Sport Hydrant's Stephanie Brantz. Stephanie starts by asking them about Tennis Australia's vision to become Australia's most popular sport. Considering 3.2 million people current play tennis in Australia, Tennis Australia aims to have 4 million Aussies playing Tennis by 2016. So just how will it be achieved? CEO STEVE WOODS WITH PAT RAFTER   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Tennis' Hot Shots

    • Tennis Australia Board Member John Fitzgerald discusses with Sports Hydrants Stephanie Brantz the Hot Shots initiative to get kids on the court.   Todd Woodbridge and Craig Morris then reveal the ideas to engage the new society of Australia's immigrants and youth into Tennis. Morris believes we have to engage with the domestic fight for the best athletes to get the next Australian champion that drives the broadcast dollars.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Tennis' Awesome Foursome

    • The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Where are the tennis stars?

    • Steve Woods and John Fitzgerald discuss Australia's fall from grace with the giant competition that is the Davis Cup. Do we need to take responsibility or is the changing face of the game itself to blame? Sport Hydrant's Stephanie Brantz asks the CEO and the board member the tough questions.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Leaders of Tennis Australia

    • Tennis Australia's leading representative talk about their first recollections of the community of tennis and where the future will lead today.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Tennis Balls for Kids!

    • Tennis Australia has introduced a new ball for kids. They are call the LOW COMPRESSION BALL. The low-compression red, orange and green balls will help children learn to play tennis quicker and easier. What are low-compression balls? There are three kinds of low-compression balls – red, orange and green – which are all softer and bounce lower than a yellow ball. Because they bounce lower, players have more time to hit them, which allows better control and helps kids develop correct stroke technique. Yellow balls bounce too high and quickly for children. Why use low-compression balls? Ideally, players hit groundstrokes between waist and shoulder height. If children learn with a yellow ball, then playing with efficient, realistic technique and tactics is difficult, as players either have to:  take the ball early,  play most groundstrokes above the optimal strike zone (in line with, and above the head) play far behind the baseline and take the ball late, waiting for the ball to drop. The low-compression red, orange and green balls bounce lower and are slower, which makes them perfect for the varying heights and skills of children.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.  

    • Alicia Molik 0 to 100 in 5 months

    • FROM PARLIAMENT HOUSE CANBERRA ALICIA MOLIK TELLS THE GUESTS AT THE SPORTS ADVOCACY GROUPS TENNIS DINNER ABOUT HER DECISION TO TRAIN FOR A COMEBACK TO HER GLORY YEARS. About Alicia Molik Alicia Molik won her first grand slam doubles title at the 2005 Australian Open with partner Svetlana Kuznetsova. She reached the top ten on the WTA tour for the first time in early 2005 following her first Grand Slam quarterfinal singles appearance, at the Australian Open, where she lost 9–7 in the final set to Lindsay Davenport. Molik won the bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens in the women's singles competition beating then World Number 3 Anastasia Myskina of Russia in straight sets 6–3 6–4. She has also won the Zurich Open, a Tier I tournament, defeating Maria Sharappova in the final. 2005: Rise to the Top 10 Molik began 2005 by partnering Mark Philippoussis in the Hopman Cup. She then played in the Sydney International, defeating unseeded players the entire way through the tournament before taking the title over compatriotsam Stosur in the final, 6–7 6–4 7–5.[Molik then played in the Australian Open as the 10th seed. She defeated Anabel Medina Garrigues in the first round, Aiko Nakamura in the second round and Tatiana Panova in the third round to set up a meeting with 8th seed Venus Williams in the fourth round. Molik defeated Williams in straight sets 7–5 7–6 to become the first Australian woman to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals since 1988. Molik then played in her first ever grand slam quarterfinal against top seed Lindsay Davenport. Davenport defeated Molik in a marathon three set match, 6–4 4–6 9–7 Molik then won her first grand slam doubles title with Svetlana Kuznetsova. After the Australian Open, Molik rose into the top 10 in singles for the first time in her career, at No. 10. Molik then played in the Proximus Diamond Games in Antwerp, making the semifinals before losing to Amélie Mauresmo 6–3 7–6.However, she defeated Mauresmo in the Tier II Qatar Total Open semifinals 7–6 6–1 to set up a meeting with second seed Maria Sharapova.Sharapova defeated Molik in the final 4–6 6–1 6–4. Molik then rose to No. 8 after the tournament. As the 7th seed at the Tier I Indian Wells tournament, Molik made the fourth round before losing to a returning Justine Henin 6–4 2–6 6–2. This was the second last time in 2005 that Molik won past the first round at a tournament. After crashing out of the tournament in Amelia Island, to Virginie Razzano 6–4 6–4, Molik took an extended break due to an inner ear infection,which caused her to miss the entire clay court season including the French Open. Molik returned at the grass court season in Birmingham, however, lost in the second round after a first round bye to Laura Granville 6–4 6–2. Molik then took another long break, missing Wimbledon, due to the ear infection. She then played only one lead in tournament for the US Open, losing in the first round to Gisela Dulko 6–2 6–4. Seeded 14th at the US Open, she lost in the first round to Shenay Perry 6–4 6–4. Molik then won her last match of 2005 at the tournament in Bali as the third seed, making the second round before losing to Alyona Bondarenko of Ukraine 6–4 6–2. Molik then lost in the first round in her last four tournaments of the year, Beijing, Filderstadt, Moscow and Zurich. Molik finished the year ranked 29th, with a 17–14 record. Ear Infection In late 2005, Molik was diagnosed with vestibular neuronitis, an inner-ear condition caused by a virus that affected her balance, vision and energy level. In October 2005, she announced that she would be taking an extended break through the 2006 season in order to recover. However, her recovery appears to have been faster than expected, and in April 2006 it was announced that Molik would be part of the team for Australia's Fed Cup group matches later that month. However, Australian Davis Cup Captain, David Taylor announced that Molik would not be selected as of lack of match play and rustiness. Instead, rookie Casey Dellacqua took her place. 2006: Return from Illness Molik made her return from the ear infection at the Italian Open in 2006, losing in the first round to Katarina Srebotnik 6–2 6–0, and then lost to Austrian Tamira Paszek 5–7 6–4 6–4 in the first round in Istanbul. Molik then won her first match since returning at the French Open of 2006, reaching the third round after defeating two relative unknowns and then losing to 4th seeded Maria Sharapova 6–0 7–5. Molik then played a The Championships, Wimbledon warm up in the Netherlands, losing in the first round to 5th Seed Ana Ivanović 6–1 3–6 6–2. At Wimbledon in 2006, she reached the second round by defeating Yung-Jan Chan 7–6 6–1, but then lost again to 21st seed Katarina Srebotnik, 6–2 6–1. Molik then lost in the first round of Stockholm, Montreal and New Haven. She had high hopes for the 2006 US Open, but was shocked 6–3, 6–2 in the first round by the 17-year old Vania King. She gained revenge over King in the first round of the Guangzhou Open, reaching the quarterfinals after also scoring an upset victory over a top 50 player Lourdes Domínguez Lino and then lost to 1st seed Jelena Janković 6–3 7–5. After these wins she broke back into the top 200 at 179 and then played in Tokyo where she defeated Jelena Kostanić 7–5 6–3, before losing in the second round to Jamea Jackson 6–3 6–1. Molik then suffered first round defeats in Bangkok, losing again to Vania King 6–1 7–5, and Zürich, losing to Shahar Pe'er 6–1 6–2. Molik then finished the year by losing in the first round of qualifying at the Generali Ladies Linz, 3–6 7–5 6–4 to Yaroslava Shvedova. 2007: Comeback Gains Momentum Molik won a wildcard into the 2007 Australian Open by winning the Australian Open Wildcard Play-offs, where she defeated 16 year old Australian Jessica Moore in the final 6–4 6–4. In preparation for the Australian Open, Molik competed in the 2007 Hopman Cup in Perth and scored victories over world No. 6 Nadia Petrova, and Ashley Harkleroad. Molik's final Australian Open warm up tournament was the Moorilla Hobart International were she reached the quarterfinals, beating two higher ranked opponents on her way before losing to doubles partner Sania Mirza. Molik also reached the doubles quarterfinals in Hobart with Mirza, before losing a close match to the number two seeds. During the Australian Open 2007, Alicia Molik won through her first and second round matches against rising Chinese Taipei's Yung-Jan Chan 6–2 7–6, and Estonian Kaia Kanepi 1–6 6–3 6–2, before losing a 3-setter against the eighth seed Patty Schnyder of Switzerland, 3–6 6–2 6–0. With her impressive 3rd round performance, Molik improved her then-141 ranking to inside the top 100, the first time since withdrawing from numerous tournaments due to that ear infection. After the Australian Open, Molik reached the second round in Pattya, Bangalore, Dubai and Doha, before playing in Indian Wells, where she reached the third round, losing to 10th seed Ana Ivanović 6–2 6–1. Molik then had three consecutive first round losses, in Miami, Amelia Island and Charleston. She then finally won a match in the clay season, in Strasbourg, before losing to Anabel Medina Garrigues. Molik then competed in the 2007 French Open, losing in the 1st round to 9th seed Anna Chakvetadze 6–2 6–3. However, Molik teamed with Mara Santangelo to win her second Grand Slam doubles title at the French Open. Molik then played in two Wimbledon warm up tournaments, reaching the second round in Birmingham, however, lost in the first round in Eastbourne to Melanie South 1–6 6–3 7–6. Molik was able to rebound, and easily won her first round match at Wimbledon, defeating Russia's Anastasia Rodionova 6–3 6–2, before losing in the second round to Serena Williams 7–6 6–3. Molik and Santangelo, the sixth seeds in the doubles tournament, made it to the semifinals before losing to eventual champions Cara Black and Liezel Huber. Also competing in the mixed doubles, Molik and partner Jonas Björkman made the final, before losing to Jelena Janković and Jamie Murray. Molik then lost in the first round of two US Open lead-in tournaments, in Forest Hills and New Haven, before then falling in the first round at the US Open to Katarina Srebotnik. After the Open, Molik then reached the quarterfinals in Guangzhou, losing to Dominika Cibulková, and at the Japan Open in Tokyo, losing to Venus Williams 7–6 6–3. Losses followed in the first round of the Kremlin Cup, and in qualifying at Zurich, before Molik then qualified for the Generali Ladies Linz, reaching the main draw second round before losing to 6th seed Patty Schnyder 6–4 6–4. Molik finished the year ranked 60 in the world, with a 25–24 singles record.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.  

    • The Cash J Curve

    • John Fitzgerlad address the issue of the J curve as far as earnings is concerned in tennis to the audience of the Sports Advocacy Group in Parliament House Canberra. During his career, he won 6 top-level singles titles and 30 tour doubles titles, including 7 Grand Slam doubles titles, and a career men's doubles Grand Slam (winning all four titles-the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open). He reached the World No. 1 doubles ranking in 1991. His career-high singles ranking was World Number 25 in 1988. He was a member of the Australian team which won the Davis Cup in 1986. Fitzgerald was formerly the captain of the Australian Davis Cup Team from 2001 to 2010 before Patrick Rafter took over after Australia's World group playoff loss to Belgium. Fitzgerald was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1993.    The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Todd Woodbridge Mentors

    •   Tennis legend Todd Woodbridge retired from Tennis at Wimbledon in 2005 and is generally regarded as the world’s most successful doubles player. He holds the record for the most doubles titles in history (83), the most Wimbledon doubles titles (nine), the most Davis Cup ties played by an Australian (32), the most Davis Cup doubles wins by an Australian (25) and the most years played by an Australian in Davis Cup (13). Woodbridge also achieved much singles success including two titles: Coral Springs 1995 and Adelaide 1997, and seven runner-up finishes. At his peak, he reached No.19 in the singles rankings (July 1997). Throughout much of his career Woodbridge partnered fellow Australian Mark Woodforde and together they captured 61 doubles titles. He won a total of 16 Grand Slam men’s doubles titles – breaking down to three Australian Opens, one French Open, nine Wimbledons and three US Opens. In mixed doubles he won six Grand Slam titles: one each at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon, and three US Opens. He won gold at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics and silver at the Sydney 2000 Olympics (w/Woodforde) and compiled a 30-11 win–loss Davis Cup record from 1991 to 2005 (5-4 singles, 25-7 doubles). In July 2009 he was named national men’s coach and Australian Davis Cup coach. Woodbridge is married to Natasha, sister of former pro Nicole Bradtke. They have one daughter, Zara, and a son, Beau. He was inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.  

    • SAG IV - Greg Chappell

    • Sports Hydrant presents Greg Chappell in conversation with Stephanie Brantz at the Cricket Sports Advocacy Group Dinner. Greg and Stephanie discuss the the past, present and future of Ashes Cricket     Gregory Stephen Chappell, MBE (born 7 August 1948 in Unley, South Australia) is a former cricketer who captained Australia between 1975 and 1977 and then joined the breakaway World Series Cricket organisation, before returning to the Australian captaincy in 1979, a position he held until his retirement 1983. The second of three brothers to play Test cricket, Chappell was the pre-eminent Australian batsman of his time who allied elegant stroke making to fierce concentration. An exceptional all round player who bowled medium pace and, at his retirement, held the world record for the most catches in Test cricket, Chappell's career straddled two eras as the game moved toward a greater level of professionalism after the WSC schism. Since his retirement as a player in 1984, Chappell has pursued various business and media interests as well as maintaining connections to professional cricket; he has been a selector for national andQueensland teams, a member of the Australian Cricket Board, and a coach. He was appointed coach of the India national cricket team on a 2 year contract in 2005. However, a series of controversies and personality clashes, combined with India's poor performance at the 2007 Cricket World Cup led to his resignation from the position on 4 April 2007. Chappell has served as an academy coach for the Rajasthan Royals, and was hired as the All Stars Coach for the 2008 Twenty20 match against Australia. He also serves as the executive coach for a series of Cricket Summer Camps in the United States as part of Chappell Way.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Greg Chappell - Ashes 2010/2011

    • Sports Hydrant presents Greg Chappell in conversation with Stephanie Brantz at the Cricket Sports Advocacy Group Dinner. Greg and Stephanie review the the past, present and future of Ashes Cricket   Gregory Stephen Chappell, MBE (born 7 August 1948 in Unley, South Australia) is a former cricketer who captained Australia between 1975 and 1977 and then joined the breakaway World Series Cricket organisation, before returning to the Australian captaincy in 1979, a position he held until his retirement 1983. The second of three brothers to play Test cricket, Chappell was the pre-eminent Australian batsman of his time who allied elegant stroke making to fierce concentration. An exceptional all round player who bowled medium pace and, at his retirement, held the world record for the most catches in Test cricket, Chappell's career straddled two eras as the game moved toward a greater level of professionalism after the WSC schism. Since his retirement as a player in 1984, Chappell has pursued various business and media interests as well as maintaining connections to professional cricket; he has been a selector for national andQueensland teams, a member of the Australian Cricket Board, and a coach. He was appointed coach of the India national cricket team on a 2 year contract in 2005. However, a series of controversies and personality clashes, combined with India's poor performance at the 2007 Cricket World Cup led to his resignation from the position on 4 April 2007. Chappell has served as an academy coach for the Rajasthan Royals, and was hired as the All Stars Coach for the 2008 Twenty20 match against Australia. He also serves as the executive coach for a series of Cricket Summer Camps in the United States as part of Chappell Way.

    • G.Chappell - Career Highlight?

    • Gregory Stephen Chappell, MBE (born 7 August 1948 in Unley, South Australia) is a former cricketer who captained Australia between 1975 and 1977 and then joined the breakaway World Series Cricket organisation, before returning to the Australian captaincy in 1979, a position he held until his retirement 1983. The second of three brothers to play Test cricket, Chappell was the pre-eminent Australian batsman of his time who allied elegant stroke making to fierce concentration. An exceptional all round player who bowled medium pace and, at his retirement, held the world record for the most catches in Test cricket, Chappell's career straddled two eras as the game moved toward a greater level of professionalism after the WSC schism. Since his retirement as a player in 1984, Chappell has pursued various business and media interests as well as maintaining connections to professional cricket; he has been a selector for national andQueensland teams, a member of the Australian Cricket Board, and a coach. He was appointed coach of the India national cricket team on a 2 year contract in 2005. However, a series of controversies and personality clashes, combined with India's poor performance at the 2007 Cricket World Cup led to his resignation from the position on 4 April 2007. Chappell has served as an academy coach for the Rajasthan Royals, and was hired as the All Stars Coach for the 2008 Twenty20 match against Australia. He also serves as the executive coach for a series of Cricket Summer Camps in the United States as part of Chappell Way.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Five of Australia's Best

    • Stephanie Brantz mediates a discussion with some of Australia's top athletes at the Sports Advocacy Group Women In Sport Dinner. Among those interviewed are Lucille Baile, WNBL Life member and WNBL Champion; Alicia Coutts, medley, butterfly and freestyle swimmer winning 5 gold medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games; Anna Flanagan, Hockeyroo defender winning Gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games; Alice Mills, Order of Australia medal winner and two Olympic Medals in the pool; and Allison Shreeve, 4 x Formula Windsurfing World Champion, A Class world speed record holder and Australia's Female sailor of the year 2006.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Shreeve Loves Her Windsurfing

    • Allison Shreeve (born 5 February 1982) is an Australian Olympic athlete who was the Formula World Windsurfing Champion in 2005, 2006 and 2007. In November 2005, Shreeve set a new world speed sailing record (A class) at 27.7 Knots (51.3 km/h) at Saintes Maries de la Mer Speed Canal. She topped this with a record of 33.05 (61.2 km/h) knots at Fuerteventura in late July, 2006.   History In her younger years, Allison was home schooled and grew up in a rural property. After finishing high school at Port Macquarie High, she was accepted into Sydney University to study Civil and Structural Engineering, which had her move back to Sydney. In 1998, during Port Macquarie High School's summer program, Allison chose windsurfing, despite she had a promising and successful future in track and field athletics after securing many titles and records at local zone, regional, and state levels. Mark Jordan saw potential in Shreeve and coached her for free, helping her go on to win the Australian Youth Champion title several times. Media attention In the last few years, Allison Shreeve attracted reasonable attention for her success in the sport. Many newspapers came out empathizing with her, because, as many claimed, she had the looks, she had the medals to prove it, and she had the personality, yet she was not able to find a financial sponsor. Because of a lack of a sponsor, she had been forced to sleep in her car. An underlying reason is that windsurfing is very small in Australia. In 2006, Allison Shreeve was featured on the American TV channel Nickelodeon showcasing her gear and telling the audience what windsurfing is like. Shreeve was featured in Who magazine, which reported her eating habits and how she keeps fit. She told Who that she had a 50-minute run, injury-prevention gym exercises, and 500 sit-ups per day. As for diet, she says she chooses salads, steak, vegetables, and occasional chocolate. She also advised people not to eat after 7 PM – three hours before you go to bed. She was featured in a full-length interview on Life FM. Initially however, because she was low profiled, she was ignored. She was sent many support messages through Life FM.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Alicia Molik at SAG 2011

    • Alicia Molik (born 27 January 1981) is a professional female tennis player from Australia. She reached a career high singles rank of number 8 and also won a bronze medal for Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Molik also reached a career high doubles ranking of number 6, and won two grand slam doubles titles, at the Australian Open in 2005 and the French Open in 2007. She retired from the sport in September 2008, however, announced a comeback in 2009. Molik is currently ranked World No. 206 as of 16 May 2011. The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Shreeve Talks Exposed Bones

    • Allison Speaks at Parliament House at Sports Advocay Group Women in Sport Dinner Sydney Australia is home to Allison Shreeve, though windsurfing commitments have her on the road or on the water for about 5-10 months each year.From a rural upbringing, Allison progressed to being a successful track and field athlete, then gravitated to water sport at the age of fifteen.  Her rise to the top echelon of the extreme sport of windsurfing during the past ten years is a testament to her hard work ethic and determination to be the world’s best. Allison has achieved great success in four different disciplines of windsurfing – Formula, Slalom, Speed, and Olympic class.  Allison is four-time Formula Windsurfing World Champion.  If that’s not enough, Allison went after the world speed record, securing the Australian Female record, and the World Speed Record in the “A” Class.  A proud moment for Allison came when she was awarded the prestigious Australian Sailor of the Year. CURRENT SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS Ranked number 1 in the World in Formula Windsurfing 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Formula Windsurfing World Champion 2007, 2006, 2005 PWA World Tour Racing Champion 2004 New World Speed Record (A Class) of 27.7 knots/51.3km/h 2005 New Australian women’s Speed Record 32.84 knots 2006 Australian Female Sailor of the year 2006 Ranked number 1 in Olympic and Formula class in Australia Olympic and Formula Oceanic and South American Champion 2006 Australian National Formula Champion 2006, 2005 Australian representative at the Pre Olympic Test event China 2006 Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship holder 2004-2006 NSW Institute of Sport Scholarship holder since 1998 Member of the ISAF (International Sailing Federation) Testing team for the new board chosen for the 2008 Beijing Olympics Part of the international racing and development teams for Neil Pryde, F2 and Deboichet from 2004-2006. The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Alice Mills 4x100m Relay Gold Medallist

    • Alice Mills chats to Stephanie Brantz revealing her biggest sporting achievement in her career so far. The Aussie women celebrate their triumph in the 4x100m relay. (Getty Images) The Australian quartet of Libby Lenton, Jodie Henry, Alice Mills and Shayne Reese took gold in a time of three minutes, 36.49 seconds, about half a second outside the world record Australia set at the 2004 Athens Olympics. England claimed the silver medal, while Canada took bronze. Earlier in the night, Lenton, Henry and Mills had finished first, second and third in the 50m freestyle final. -Reuters The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Alicia Coutts Olympic Swimmer talking Heroines, Work and Sport

    • Alicia Coutts spills the beans on the difficulties of juggling life and sport.   ABOUT ALICIA Brisbane born Alicia Coutts (known to her friends as Couttsie) attended the 2010 Commonwealth Games with little to no expectations on her performance, but the swimmer left as Australia’s most successful individual performer with five gold medals, emerging as a world force in swimming, and one to be watched at future meets. The 23 year old won gold in the 200m individual medley, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly and was a key member of Australia’s gold medal relay team in the 4 x 100m freestyle and 4 x 100m medley relay. Recording the fastest time ever in a textile suit in the 200m individual medley Alicia was chosen to carry the Australian flag at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony. Prior to the Delhi Games, life hadn’t been easy for Alicia she had excelled in her junior career, but a bout of glandular fever stifled her ambitions to qualify for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. In 2007 she joined the Australian Institute of Sport but was again struck down with an intussusceptions of the bowel which required surgery. She recovered to qualify for her first Olympic team in Beijing in 2008, where she finished 5th in the final, performing well above her ranking. As things started to look better complications from Alicia’s original operation forced her to have further abdominal surgery and miss the chance to compete at last year’s world titles. Finally in 2010 Alicia had an injury free year and the results followed. As well as recording a personal best time in the 100m freestyle, 200 IM and 100m Butterfly in Delhi, Alicia also posted 3 short course PB’s in the 100/200m freestyle as well as the 100m butterfly. All of Alicia’s struggles are now well and truly behind her for a new star is born, one that has her sight’s firmly set on the London Olympics in 2012. ACHIEVEMENTS Personal Best Times – Long Course (50m Pool) 2008 Beijing Olympics    –  200m IM 2010 Pan Pacs   - 100m Freestyle 2010 Pan Pacs  -  100m Butterfly   Personal Best Times – Short Course (25m Pool) 2009 Aust Short Course Championships  -  200m IM 2009 Aust Short Course Championships  - 100m Freestyle   Career Highlights 2008 Beijing Olympics   -  4 x 100m Medley Relay  GOLD 2009 Telstra Aust Short Course Championships  -  200m IM   BRONZE 2010 Pan Pacs    100m Butterfly BRONZE 2010 Pan Pacs – Irvine, California    -    4 x 100m Freestyle & Medley SILVER 2010 Pan Pacs – Irvine, California  -  100m Butterfly BRONZE 2010 Telstra Aust Championships  -  200m IM    BRONZE Nominated for the Colonial First State Sports Performer of the Year Award Alicia’s personal best times have previously been recorded in 2009 at the Australian Short Course Championships in the 200m IM and 100m Free and more recently in 2010 in the Pan Pacs 100m Butterfly and 100m Freestyle. Alicia tells us her reasoning for getting into swimming started at the tender age of 18mths old when all she wanted to do was swim in her next door neighbour’s pool. Since then success has played a major part in Alicia’s career, as a natural athlete with the tenacity and drive to be the best she has not only exceeded expectations to date but is set to accomplish big things in the future. The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Anna Flanagan - Hockeyroos

    • Stephanie Brantz in conversation with Anna Flanagan on juggling hockey, training and work. Anna Flanagan of Australia looks on while playing of the national anthems during the grand final match between Australia and India on day four of the International Superseries at Perth Hockey Stadium on October 23, 2011 in Perth, Australia. (October 22, 2011 - Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images AsiaPac) Flanagan is a young defender with a big future ahead of her as a defender with the Hockeyroos. Debuting early in 2010, Flanagan showed some good signs and continued to develop throughout the year, eventually earning a place in the 2010 Commonwealth Games squad. DOB: 8-1-1992 Position: Defender International Matches: 23 International Goals: 0 Hockeyroos Shirt Number: 9 International Debut:   Major International Tournaments: Commonwealth Games 2010 AHL Team:   Canberra Strikers AHL Shirt Number: 21 Hometown: Canberra, ACT Occupation/Current Studies: Year 12 Nickname: Flanno Junior hockey club: Central When did you start playing hockey? 6 years of age What is your current hockey goal? To be selected in the Junior World Cup team that plays in Boston this year What is the hardest thing to give up during training? Not being able to see friends outside of school as often Who is your funniest teammate? Not sure yet What are you post hockey career ambitions? To have a career I am passionate about If you didn't play hockey what would you do? Play another sport Favourite sporting moment? Watching Cathy Freeman win the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics Who is your sporting hero? Roger Federer Which AFL/NRL/A League team do you support? Collingwood What is your...   Favourite song?  The Way You Move, The Bodyrockers Greatest fear?  Cockroaches Favourite holiday destination? So far Perth Favourite movie Twilight 3 interesting facts about me are: 1   I am a prefect in year 12   2   I love swimming at the beach   3   I like animals How would you spend your last $50? In a chocolate shop Money can't buy:  Happiness Favourite quote: "A win without risk is a win without glory" INFORMATION COURTESY OF www.hockey.org.au The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Andy Turnbull - Women's Sport Insights

    • Sport Hydrant CEO Andy Turnbull addresses guests of the Sports Advocacy Group's Women In Sport Dinner. He reveals his insights into womens sport collated over the past years of research and conversations.   The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.

    • Mark Anderson Hockey Australia

    • Hockey Australia Chief Executive, Mark Anderson speaks to Stephanie Brantz at the Sports Advocacy Dinner for Women In Sport in November 2010. They discuss the strength of women in Hockey today and the need to recognise the sports achievements. The Sports Advocacy Group is an independent body, which aims to combine the expertise of the sports industry with the needs and aspirations of the Australian public to provide a voice for sport. We will publish the results of the SAG meetings on these pages and use them as the catalyst for informed debate and ask you to add your views. If you want to be heard this is where you need to be.
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